Okpebholo predicts PDP’s collapse after lawmaker’s defection
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has predicted the imminent collapse of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the state, following the defection of yet another lawmaker to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Nicholas Asonsere, who represents Ikpoba-Okha constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, formally defected to the APC on Wednesday, bringing the party’s representation in the House to 15 members, while the PDP now holds nine seats.
Speaking during a reception for Asonsere at the Government House, Okpebholo commended him and other recent defectors, assuring them of equal opportunities within the APC.
“Thank you for the decision to join the APC,” the governor said. “This is a party of unlimited opportunities. You will not be discriminated against—you will have room to contribute meaningfully to the development of our dear state.”
The governor reflected on his own journey in the party, noting that he initially had no intention to contest for public office until he was persuaded by supporters.
“I never had plans to contest, but I was encouraged by well-meaning people. Today, I am governor. Very soon, the PDP will collapse in Edo because of what APC represents—vision, unity, and development,” Okpebholo said.
He stressed that his administration was focused on delivering development through prudent use of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue and Federal Allocation.
Earlier, at the APC state secretariat, Asonsere was officially received into the party by state chairman, Jarret Tenebe, who described the defection as a “watershed moment” in Edo’s political history.
“This is not just any defection,” Tenebe said. “Asonsere is politically connected to two of the PDP’s most prominent figures in Edo South—Deputy Governorship candidate Barr. Osarodion Ogie and Campaign Director-General Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen. His exit clearly signals the PDP’s collapse under the weight of its internal crises.”
Tenebe added that Asonsere had been one of the key voices sustaining the PDP’s relevance in the state, and his move is a major blow to the opposition party.
Upon receiving the symbolic broom, Asonsere said he made the decision purely out of conviction, impressed by the visible development projects being executed in his constituency by the APC-led administration.
“I personally called the governor last night to express my intention to join the APC,” Asonsere revealed. “A flyover is being constructed in my constituency. How can I stand on the opposing side while development is happening? That would mean I’m not serious about serving my people.”
Reacting to the defection, PDP’s state Publicity Secretary,Chris Nehikhare, said the party would approach the court to declare Asonsere’s seat vacant, reiterating the party’s position on defections by elected members.
“We’ve decided to challenge these defections in court,” Nehikhare said. “You can’t use a political platform to gain prominence and then abandon it. We will do the same in this case.”
